Innovative Research Award
Mònica Mir – Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering (CIBER-bbn), and University of Barcelona, Spain
| Mònica Mir |
| Affiliation |
IBEC, CIBER-bbn, University of Barcelona |
| Country |
Spain |
| Scopus ID |
12647442200 |
| Documents |
60 |
| Citations |
2,256 |
| h-index |
22 |
| Subject Area |
Biomedical Engineering, Biosensors, Organ-on-a-Chip |
| Event |
Global Sensor Awards |
| ORCID |
0000-0002-1490-8373 |
Mònica Mir is a Spanish biomedical engineer and researcher recognized for her contributions to biosensors, microfluidic systems, point-of-care diagnostics, and organ-on-a-chip technologies. Her interdisciplinary research integrates bioengineering, nanotechnology, and translational medicine to improve disease diagnostics and develop advanced in vitro disease models for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.[1] She has contributed extensively to blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip systems, electrochemical biosensors, and neurovascular modeling platforms designed for personalized medicine and pharmaceutical evaluation.[2]
Abstract
This academic article presents the scientific profile and research accomplishments of Dr. Mònica Mir, a senior researcher specializing in biomedical engineering and biosensor technologies. Her work focuses on translational bioengineering approaches for disease diagnosis, monitoring, and advanced in vitro modeling systems. Dr. Mir has contributed significantly to the development of electrochemical biosensors, blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip systems, neurovascular models, and implantable sensing devices. Her collaborative and interdisciplinary research has supported advances in personalized medicine, neurodegenerative disease studies, and point-of-care technologies.[3]
Keywords
Biomedical Engineering; Biosensors; Organ-on-a-Chip; Blood-Brain Barrier; Microfluidics; Electrochemical Sensors; Point-of-Care Systems; Neuroengineering; Nanobiotechnology; Translational Medicine; Alzheimer’s Disease; Personalized Medicine
Introduction
The integration of bioengineering and nanotechnology has transformed modern healthcare research by enabling sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. Among the leading contributors in this field is Dr. Mònica Mir, whose research addresses the need for reliable biosensing systems and physiologically relevant disease models.[4] Her scientific contributions are particularly relevant to neurological diseases, blood-brain barrier functionality, and organ-on-a-chip technologies designed to emulate complex biological environments.[5]
Dr. Mir’s academic journey includes training in analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, and biosensor technologies at institutions including the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, the University of Bath, and the Max Planck Institute. Her multidisciplinary expertise has enabled her to bridge engineering methodologies with biomedical applications.[1]
Research Profile
Dr. Mir currently serves as a Consolidated Senior Researcher at the Biomedical Research Center in Bioengineering (CIBER-bbn) and as Assistant Professor at the University of Barcelona. Her research profile reflects more than two decades of experience in translational bioengineering and biosensor development.[1]
Her scientific activities encompass biosensors, microfluidics, neurovascular modeling, implantable electrochemical devices, and organ-on-a-chip systems. She has coordinated European Union and national research projects focused on personalized medicine, blood-brain barrier models, and neurodegenerative disease monitoring platforms.[5]
- Principal Investigator of the EIC Pathfinder Challenge project “IV-Lab” focused on implantable smart sensing systems.
- Lead investigator of the eBRAIN project involving hippocampal blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip technologies.
- Scientific Coordinator for collaborative industrial projects involving HPV diagnostic point-of-care systems.
- Mentor and supervisor for doctoral, master’s, and postdoctoral researchers in biomedical engineering.
Research Contributions
One of Dr. Mir’s notable contributions is the development of advanced blood-brain barrier-on-a-chip models integrated with microelectrodes and electrochemical sensing systems. These platforms provide realistic physiological environments for evaluating nanoparticle permeability, neurovascular interactions, and therapeutic responses associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.[3]
Her research has also explored implantable electrochemical microsensors for monitoring oxygen and pH levels in fetal ischemia and hypoxia studies. These technologies demonstrate potential clinical utility in prenatal diagnostics and real-time physiological monitoring.[4]
Dr. Mir has contributed to biosensor integration within organ-on-a-chip systems, enabling improved monitoring of biological responses and enhanced analytical performance for translational medicine applications.[5]
- Development of neurovascular unit-on-a-chip technologies.
- Electrochemical immunosensors for Alzheimer’s disease biomarker detection.
- Microfluidic biosensing systems for cancer liquid biopsy applications.
- Implantable multiparametric microsensors for physiological monitoring.
Publications
Dr. Mir has authored more than 59 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including articles in high-impact journals such as ACS Sensors, Journal of Nanobiotechnology, Materials Today Bio, and Biosensors & Bioelectronics.
- Arellano, A. et al. (2025). Attenuation of blood-brain barrier dysfunction by functionalized gold nanoparticles against amyloid-β peptide in an Alzheimer’s disease-on-a-chip model. Materials Today Bio.
- Palma-Florez, S. et al. (2024). Neurovascular unit on a chip: The relevance and maturity as an advanced in vitro model. Neural Regeneration Research.
- Mir, M. et al. (2022). Biosensors Integration in Blood−Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip. ACS Sensors.
- Marrugo-Ramírez, J. et al. (2021). Kynurenic Acid Electrochemical Immunosensor: Blood-Based Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biosensors.
- Rivas, L. et al. (2020). Micro-needle implantable electrochemical oxygen sensor: ex-vivo and in-vivo studies. Biosensors & Bioelectronics.
Research Impact
Dr. Mir’s research has achieved measurable academic and translational impact through scientific publications, patent development, industrial collaborations, and interdisciplinary project leadership.[3] Her work has contributed to the advancement of personalized medicine and neuroengineering by improving experimental disease modeling systems and biosensor technologies.
Her scientific output includes over 2180 citations and an h-index of 21 according to Scopus metrics. She has served as editor and reviewer for several international journals and funding agencies, including the Swiss National Science Foundation, DBT India Alliance, and Agence Nationale de la Recherche.[1]
In addition to academic contributions, Dr. Mir co-founded the spin-off company NewCo S.L., highlighting the translational and entrepreneurial dimensions of her research activities.[2]
Award Suitability
Dr. Mònica Mir demonstrates strong suitability for recognition in biomedical engineering and biosensor innovation due to her sustained contributions to translational healthcare technologies. Her interdisciplinary expertise in organ-on-a-chip systems, electrochemical biosensors, and neuroengineering aligns with contemporary priorities in personalized medicine and biomedical diagnostics.[9]
Her leadership in European and national research initiatives, mentorship activities, editorial responsibilities, and technology transfer initiatives further support her profile as a distinguished researcher contributing to both scientific advancement and societal healthcare applications.[4]
Conclusion
Dr. Mònica Mir has established a significant research career in biomedical engineering, biosensors, and organ-on-a-chip technologies. Her scientific achievements reflect interdisciplinary innovation, translational healthcare applications, and collaborative research leadership. Through her contributions to biosensing systems, neurovascular disease models, and implantable diagnostic technologies, she continues to advance the field of biomedical engineering and translational medicine.[5]
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Mònica Mir, Author ID 12647442200. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=12647442200
- Mir, M. et al. (2022). Biosensors Integration in Blood−Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip. ACS Sensors.
https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.2c00123
- Palma-Florez, S. et al. (2024). Neurovascular unit on a chip: The relevance and maturity as an advanced in vitro model. Neural Regeneration Research.
- Marrugo-Ramírez, J. et al. (2021). Kynurenic Acid Electrochemical Immunosensor: Blood-Based Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biosensors.
- Palma-Florez, S. et al. (2023). BBB-on-a-chip with integrated micro-TEER for permeability evaluation. Journal of Nanobiotechnology.